'''BELL'''

is a city in Los Angeles County, California. Its population was 35,477 at the 2010 census, down from 36,664 in the 2000 census. Bell is located on the west bank of the Los Angeles River and is a suburb of the city of Los Angeles. At Interwiki: convert » 2.5|sqmi|km2, Bell is number thirteen in the list of the 25 smallest cities in the United States that have a population of at least 25,000 (ranked from smallest to largest in area).
In 2007, the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Bell's land area at 1245 out of 1257 cities (defined as incorporated areas) and two unincorporated areas that had a population of at least 25,000 in year 2000. Ten cities in the list of 1267 cities had no land area data (e.g., Goleta, California).
City residents voted to become a charter city in a special municipal election on November 29, 2005. Fewer than 400 voters turned out for that special election. More than half of those votes were dubiously obtained absentee votes.

GEOGRAPHY

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Interwiki: convert » 2.6|sqmi|km2. Interwiki: convert » 2.5|sqmi|km2 of it is land and Interwiki: convert » 0.1|sqmi|km2 of it (4.53) is water.

ECONOMY

Like much of California, Bell is in a financial crisis, due to the very public embezzlement scandal. After City Manager Robert Rizzo and the Bell City Council were caught squandering the taxes of their constituents for their own benefit, there is now a giant deficit of several million dollars in the general fund. An audit by the Los Angeles County auditor-controller found that the city needs to significantly downsize its budget, including the possibility of disbanding the Bell Police Department and contracting with the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.

DEMOGRAPHICS

Interwiki: USCensusPop »
| 1930=7884
| 1940=11264
| 1950=15430
| 1960=19450
| 1970=21836
| 1980=25450
| 1990=34365
| 2000=36664
| 2010=35477
| footnote=source:
}}

CITYHOOD

Bell was incorporated as a city in 1927. Since its incorporation, the City of Bell has acquired land for public parks and the recreational program. The city also has constructed an adequate sewer system, widened all major streets, built a city hall, and provided fire department buildings, with the cooperation of Los Angeles County, the city of Maywood and the County Of Los Angeles, the city of Bell constructed an indoor public swimming pool at Bell High School.
Category: Image - :Bell House2.jpg|thumb|right|James George Bell House
The city's Chamber of Commerce is located at the historic James George Bell House, which serves as a meeting place and in addition, a museum showcasing artifacts from the city's founding family and period furniture. The house is open to the general public with free admission.
In March 2007, the city of Bell held its first contested election for city council in almost a decade. The next election for City Council was held in March 2011, and included the recall of all the city council members save one, who was not re-elected.


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